India and the UK put in place safeguards to protect India’s steel exports as the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) moves toward operation on 15 July, according to multiple reports. The measures address concerns that new UK trade curbs could limit market access for Indian steel exporters once the FTA begins. One account says India negotiates protections so that about 85% of Indian steel exports to the UK are shielded from British restrictions. The remaining share is reportedly covered through country-specific quotas and other access arrangements. Another report characterizes the outcome as a breakthrough that clears a key hurdle for the FTA rollout, with India securing safeguards for its steel exports despite the UK’s new trade measures. Overall, the sources agree that the agreement on safeguards is intended to ensure continuity of steel trade flows under the FTA and reduce uncertainty for exporters as the pact takes effect on 15 July.